Acing GDPI-WAT round is one of the most pivotal steps towards securing admission to your dream college. The GD, PI and WAT round measures the ability of the student’s communication skills, strong analytical skills, proficiency in the language, knowledge, confidence, and unique perspective. It is important to keep in mind that GDPI-WAT round carries almost 30% to 40% of your overall composite scores and therefore after CAT exam, students should focus on preparing GDPI-WAT to excel this selection process. Keep a note of the 12 must do things to crack GDPI and WAT.
Acing GDPI-WAT round is one of the most pivotal steps towards securing admission to your dream college. The GD, PI and WAT round measures the ability of the student’s communication skills, strong analytical skills, proficiency in the language, knowledge, confidence, and unique perspective. It is important to keep in mind that GDPI-WAT round carries almost 30% to 40% of your overall composite scores and therefore after CAT exam, students should focus on preparing GDPI-WAT to excel this selection process. Keep a note of the 12 must do things to crack GDPI and WAT.
Preparing for GDPI-WAT rounds require a systematic approach. Keep in mind these 12 must do things to crack GDPI and WAT that will help and guide you to reach towards acing this stage of selection process.
12 Must do things to crack GDPI and WAT
Here are the 12 most important things to be kept in mind to crack GDPI-WAT rounds:
1. Grasp the key metrics for GDPI-WAT assessment and decode the evaluation standards
Know the purpose of conducting GDPI-WAT
- Analyse why these rounds are being conducted and what weightage has been allotted to this round across different colleges.
Involvement and team work in group discussion
- The panellist will measure the decision-making ability, ability to collaborate, clarity of thoughts, and problem-solving skills of the students. They will access your teamwork skills and logical reasoning.
Personal Interview round
- The interviewer will test the candidate’s confidence, personality, presentation style, interpersonal skills, domain knowledge, areas of interest and career aspirations.
Written Ability Test (WAT) round
- WAT round measures the candidates’ writing skills, flow of ideas, structure thoughts, knowledge over the given topic, clarity in presenting ideas, analytical thinking, and concise writings.
Increase and enhance knowledge beyond books
- It is important to go beyond bookish language and expand your knowledge. Communication skills, ability to respond spontaneously and to write concisely are the skills that must be built up to crack this round.
Evaluation parameters
- Application of practical Knowledge, confidence in responding to the questions, balance in communication, problem-solving ability, open-mindedness, decision making skills, articulation of thoughts, coherence etc.
2. Keep abreast of current affairs especially for the GDPI round
Value of keeping yourself informed
- It is very important to have knowledge about the national, international, and global events to excel in GDPI-WAT round, as questions can be asked on any of the major topics.
- Being updated about the events will help you to engage in meaningful discussions and contribute effectively.
Learning platforms and sources
- Read newspapers, magazines, journals, relevant online sources to stay informed about the latest events happening around us.
Focus on most important common topics
Some important topics to focus includes:
- Economy (Economic policies, growth trends, finance markets), International relations (Digital transformations, breakthroughs), Societal changes (Public health, environmental issues, social justice), Policy Analysis.
Practice daily and enhance articulation skills
- Make a habit to read about the major events and write your opinions and thoughts (note-taking). Practicing current affairs will help you to produce quality of thoughts and strong articulation as it is the key to stand out in PI, GD, and WAT round.
3. Regular practice of GDPI Mocks: Key Points
Need of mock practice for GDPI-WAT
- Mock practice will make you understand your strengths and work on the areas of improvement. Such practice will give you actual GDPI experience and boost up the confidence.
Major areas to focus
- Listen carefully to the interviewer, panellist, and other participants in the GD round to answer them effectively and not to go out off topic.
- It is important to present your points concisely and structure the flow of ideas well.
- Maintain decorum, and respectful behaviour towards others.
Mock PI preparation
Practice the following questions well:
- Tell me about yourself
- Why you chose MBA?
- Short-term long-term goals
- Why this college?
- Be honest while answering the questions and avoid sounding monotonous or overly rehearsed, Be natural.
Get feedback
- After taking the mocks, get feedback from an expert/mentor or a topper so that they can guide you and develop the areas that need improvement.
4. Improve speaking and writing for GDPI-WAT
Written and verbal communication
- Be clear and use simple language, avoid using heavy vocabulary or jargon. Focus on improving both verbal and written skills. It is important to convey your ideas though words or speech clearly and timely.
GD, PI, WAT communication
- Learn to structure your thoughts well in a systematic and logical manner. Keep points clear and straightforward. Avoid speaking irrelevant and unnecessary facts to elaborate your part.
- For PI practice frequently asked questions about your own personal background.
- The panellists may grill you hence be prepared to answer all set of questions.
- For WAT, focus on speed and coherence of writing. Present your work in a structured flow and do not go out of the topic. Avoid using incorrect data, facts, or arguments.
5. Polish your gestures and communication style
Importance of good body language
- To create a positive and lasting impression on the panellist, it is important to maintain a good body language and personality.
GDPI- Nonverbal communication key tips
- Sit straight and be confident. Do not bend yourself. Maintain upright position.
- Give a gentle smile on your face to show positivity.
- Maintain eye contact with the panellist while conveying answers.
- Be calm and use subtle hand gestures while speaking. Do not be too loud. Maintain a soft voice.
- Be a good listener and avoid interrupting others.
- Greet the panellist with a warm smile and wish them
- Avoid fidgeting or shaking legs or biting nails. This may show nervousness or lack of confidence.
6. Master time management for GDPI-WAT
GD Time management tips
- Show your participation by contributing meaningfully.
- Don’t be much elaborative instead summarize your points effectively keeping in mind the time constraints.
- Be a good listener and a speaker
WAT Time management tips
- Avoid being too elaborative. Keep in mind, quality is more important than quantity.
- Practice essays by keeping the time constraints and train yourself to write within the allotted time.
PI Time management tips
- Avoid repeating the same things
- Be concise and precise with your explanation
- Structure your thought is a systematic way and make others engaged in your conversation
- Practice GDPI-WAT mocks properly to manage time effectively.
- Identify areas of improvement and practice.
7. Get feedback from experts/mentors
Connect with experts and mentors
- Get connected with experienced mentors/experts or toppers and seek valuable advices or feedbacks from them and improve the weak areas.
Focus on repeated mistakes
- Focus on the mistakes you are repeating and improve them through consistent practice.
- Focus on quality of thoughts and not on quantity. Major areas like content delivery and argument clarity should be tested regularly and improved consistently for better results.
Turn feedback into action
- Treat every feedback as a tool of learning and an opportunity to achieve greater heights
- It is important to grab and incorporate feedback into next practice session to help you stand out from the group.
Harness mock practice
- Use platforms that provide quality mocks on PIs, GDs and WATs and gain constructive feedback.
8. Master the most common and Profile-Specific questions for the MBA PI Round
Get yourself prepared for the most common questions asked
Examples like
- Tell us about yourself
- Why MBA?
- Tell about your strengths and weakness.
- Be honest and straightforward while answering the question
Review your resume thoroughly
- Get yourself thoroughly prepared to answer questions related to your profile, achievements, hobbies, interests, work experiences and internships (in case if any
- Get a clear understanding about your academics and fundamentals of your profile
- Revise basic concepts of your graduation subjects and focus on subjects relevant to your MBA specialization.
Show your genuine interest in MBA
- Connect your past experiences, achievements, work experience or internships with the MBA specialization you are aiming for.
- Ask 2-3 relevant questions from the interviewer relates to MBA or College to show your interest.
9. Stay composed under pressure during GD, PI, and WAT
Most importantly-Stay calm in GD
- Be assertive and not arrogant. This is a GD, not a debate.
- Wait for the right time to speak calmly
- Put relevant and informative points rather than elaborating/ repeating the same things
- If interrupted by others, ask politely for a chance to finish your thought.
Maintain composure in WAT
- Stay composed even if the topic is tricky
- Focus on writing concise essay with relevant points
- Make your essay more impressive and informative by justifying your thoughts with the help of relevant points, data, facts etc.
Stay calm and manage stress during PIs
- Be prepared to answer tricky questions.
- If you are unable to answer a particular question, be straightforward and admit it honestly rather than giving irrelevant answers.
- Its not always about the right answers, it is about handling and responding the situation with composure.
10. Foster critical and analytical thinking
GDPI-WAT round is not only about speaking and writing but it tests the candidate’s critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving and team work.
For GD Round
- Try to bring out some unique points out of the majority.
- Analyse the topic before jumping into discussion.
- Use paper and pen to note down the points and add value to the discussion.
For WAT Round
- It is advisable to note down the points and maintain the flow of ideas before beginning your essay.
- Maintain proper essay structure: Introduction, body, and conclusion.
For PI Round
- Be ready to answer all the tricky questions behind your personal and professional choices.
- Strengthen your analytical skills when justifying your opinions and decisions.
11. Active participation in GD
Be active in GD and not dominating
- Speak up your points in self-assurance and confidence.
Make your points heard
- Be clear with your thoughts. Do not be too loud or too soft.
- Ensure that your points do add value to the discussion.
Showcase your knowledge and potential
- While everyone is focussed on knowledgeable discussions, your confidence can elevate your perfomance with relevant and unique points.
12. Importance of summarization
Clarity of thought and impact in GD
- A summary can help you to highlight the most important points and bring clarity to the discussion.
- Its shows how well you have understood the topic which reflects well on your analytical skills.
- It helps to leave a positive impact on the panellist by articulating a concise conclusion.
Summarization In WAT
- It is important to structure and organize your thoughts
- A good well-crafted summary will leave clear impression of your point of view to the reader
- Ability to summarize complex ideas and thoughts reflect good analytical skills too.
Must do things to crack GDPI and WAT FAQs
The WAT round includes diverse topics with most common on the ongoing market growth and trends, economics, and business etc
Some questions asked in IIM WAT rounds are:
- We should not believe what we see.
- Academic quality and gender biasness.
To perform well in GD, one should not be much loud to get noticed, be calm and convey your thoughts and ideas in a meaningful way. Try not to elaborate or repeat the same points. Be crisp and give clear answers. Strengthen your answers with some relevant facts and data.
In PI round, questions are mainly on your personal and professional choices, achievements, hobbies, interest etc. Be prepared to answer basic questions clearly:
- Tell us about yourself.
- Why MBA?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses
- What are your short- term and long-term goals?
- Where do you see yourself after 5 years from now?
